Regional Map
The Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend (AAA), a program division of the Coastal Bend Council of Governments housed within the CBCOG, was created by virtue of Resolution No. 234 on February 22, 1974. In accepting this authority, the Area Agency on Aging of the Coastal Bend assumes responsibility for the development and administration of a comprehensive and coordinated network of support services for older persons, operating under Title III of the Older American Act.
AAA receives funding from the Administration on Aging as authorized by the Older Americans Act as well as State General Revenue funds. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services administer the program. Additional funding sources include CBCOG, sub-contractor matching funds, grants, contributions and private sector sponsorships.
Historical Overview of the AAA
- Established in 1974, primary focus was on the development of senior centers and transportation systems.
- In 1978, AAA was given administrative oversight of elderly nutrition programs.
- In the early 1980’s, the Nursing Home Ombudsman Program was implemented.
- In 1986, the first Silver Haired Legislature Election was coordinated with major support from Area Agencies on Aging.
- In 1990, AAA began supporting victims of Alzheimer’s disease and their families through a support contract with the local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter.
- In May 1993, to strengthen access and assistance, AAA’s Care Coordination Program, In-home Purchase Pool and Benefits Counseling Programs were initiated.
- Also in 1993, the AAA was a major community partner in the publication and distribution of a local Senior Resource Directory.
- In 1995, AAA began facilitating region wide cooperative purchasing of food, milk and paper supplies, reducing food costs significantly.
- In 1998 with additional state support, the Ombudsman Program was strengthened by bringing the program in-house (rather than a contracted service).
- In 1999 developed the Regional Access Plan as a local response to SB374, which charged community based organizations to develop a local proposal to improve access and assistance services to aid consumers navigate a full range of long-term services.
- In 2000, Older Americans Act Amendments made possible the implementation of the multi-faceted National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP).
- In 2005, with community partners expanded to include disability groups; the local resource directory was renamed the Aging and Disability Resource Directory and the directory expanded to include information for persons with disabilities of all ages.
- In 2006 with the implementation of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, benefits counseling came to the forefront of the AAA’s Access and Assistance Services.
- From August 2006 – March 2007, a special outreach grant prepared AAA and community partners for the new STAR+PLUS Managed Care Program for older persons and persons with disabilities who receive SSI Medicaid in the Nueces County Service Area.
- In 2007 the AAA was one of 17 AAA’s in Texas to receive funding through the Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging (T4A) to implement an evidence-based prevention program called A Matter of Balance (MOB). The funding came with sponsorship from Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, serving as the academic evaluation partner. In its third year, the AAA continues to implement the MOB program with additional funding through local and state partnerships as well as in-kind services provided through trained volunteer coaches.
- In 2008 AAA brought back in house a once sub-contracted instruction and training program called Medication Management. The Medication Management program is viewed as a good fit for the A Matter of Balance program, as well as working as a stand alone program.
The Medication Management program helps with the provision of educational information necessary to promote or maintain the health and/or safety of the older person age 60 and over who are taking prescribed and/or over-the-counter medication.
AAA’s primary goal is independent living for older adults by assuring availability of high quality, efficient, community services for seniors in the Coastal Bend Counties of: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio.
Funded in part by The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Older American Act
Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging